The Art For Aid Project was developed by Eastern Métis artist Colleen Gray to collect new and gently used art supplies for remote Indigenous schools and communities across Canada. The goals are:
1. To connect Indigenous youth to art, the endangered teachings, traditional techniques and knowledge of the culture through teachers, Elders and the community.
2. To encourage art exploration and self-expression as a pathway to healing.
3. To teach about stewardship of the Earth.
The passionate artist behind it all.
Since 2013, Metis artist Colleen Gray has, been creating and selling her moving and unusual art, using the proceeds to ship art supplies into remote Indigenous schools across Canada.
Many schools in remote communities work with insufficient and often minimal quality art supplies. Colleen believes strongly in the power of art to invite healing and provide a creative vehicle to help break the rigours of isolation for Indigenous youth.
The Governor General of Canada
Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteering
Colleen Gray - June 26, 2019
For her role in supporting art exploration
through access to art supplies and
creative art programs in Canadian remote
Indigenous schools through Art for Aid.
Support Art for Aid
To donate toward this program, click DONATE and specify that your gift is in support of Art for Aid
To donate art supplies, if you live in the Ottawa area, visit the
To purchase Colleen’s original works and prints, visit the
